Office Hours

In Fr. Jon’s Sunday homily he reminded us not to take for granted the time that we have here as a parish. He encouraged us to follow the call of the gospel and reach out to those that God has placed in our midst. We have a very diverse and unique parish, with many opportunities to be that loving hand of Christ to each other and those in need.

Our parish is made up of 3 (three) different groups, English community, Spanish Community and Guadalupe Parish that reaches out and serves our aboriginal brothers and sisters. All of us come together in this one place to worship God and to share the marvelous gift of our Parish Hall.

We must remember not to take for granted the sacraments that we share. We have Mass 365 days of the year, with lots of opportunities to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. What an awesome gift. No other parish in the diocese has this gift.

Finally, he encouraged us to receive and be open to the gifts that our new pastor will bring. Fr. Ciro Perez, has served the Spanish Community of our Parish, which has become a strong loving and faith filled community under his leadership. For us having Fr. Ciro is like mining for gold; be open and we will discover the gold, the treasures that he will bring.

During his homily, Fr. Jon told us why he wanted to serve in the Northern communities. Several years ago a sister who was working in Labrador needed some assistance for a brief period of time. Fr. Jon offered his services. Upon his arrival the sister told him of a small fishing village that had not seen a priest for several years. Would he go? So off he went with an interpreter (as he could neither speak nor understand their language) to the village to have mass. There were very few present. During the service he blessed a large garbage pail full of water and invited those present to take back as much holy water as they wanted. To his surprise everyone left, leaving him confused. Within 10 minutes he heard many skidoos, but this time the whole village came back with all kinds of jars and containers for the holy water. He experienced such a deep desire and thirst for God in these people, that it stayed in his heart knowing that they yearned to hear the message of the gospel. Over a period of 10 years God cleared the way for him to answer the call.

Now he finds himself moving to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, making his home base in a little town of 3,500 people, but home to a locally-famous landmark known as The Igloo Church, or the official name Our Lady of Victory. From there he will serve other remote and isolated communities. The area he is going to is known for both grizzly and black bears. Oftentourist warnings are issued to be on lookout for the bears. He will encounter large herds of caribou that are so large it has to be seen to be believed. Golden eagles can often be seen fishing on nearby rivers when not frozen over. In December he will experience 30 consecutive days of darkness and in the summer 56 days of no night.

At the farewell celebration, Bishop Don Bolen, thanked Fr. Jon for inspiring all of us with a true missionary heart. The Bishop also thanked him for being down to earth, trusting and faithful to call of Jesus in his life, and willing to serve wherever needed. There is nothing else that a Bishop can ask for. He said that they will miss his kindness and vision that he has brought to the Diocese and to this Parish.